Theory of Leveling

Theory of Levelling
Levelling is the process of measurements geodetic height using an optical

levelling instrument and a level staff or rod having a numbered scale.
Horizontal plane is a plane perpendicular to the local direction of gravity or
local vertical line (in plane surveying)
Horizontal line is a line perpendicular to the vertical.
Level surface is the curved surface that at every point is perpendicular to the
direction of gravity (plumb line), e.g. still Lake Surface.
Vertical line is a line that follows the local direction of gravity as indicated by a
plumb line.
Vertical Datum is a level surface to which elevations are referred (i.e. reference
surface such as MSL)
Mean sea level is average elevation of the sea surface based on hourly tide
gauge measurements over a period of 19 years.
Bench mark is a permanent reference point with a known elevation (relative to
some datum usually MSL)
Vertical control is a series of bench mark or other points of known elevation
established throughout an area.
Height of collimation is the elevation of the optical axis of the telescope at the
time of the setup. The line of collimation is the imaginary line at the elevation.
Change points are points measurement which are used to carry the
measurements forward in a run. Each one will be read first as a foresight, the
instrument will be change and it will read as a back sight.
Equipment
The level, tripod, staff and staff bubble should be used, calibrated and stored
carefully. All this items of equipment upon which the accuracy of the work
highly dependent.
Levels
A level is basically a telescope that can attach to an accurate levelling device. It
can rotate horizontally through 360 degrees. Normally the levelling device is a
bubble.
Staff Bubbles
These are generally a small circular bubble on an angle plate which is held
against one corner of the staff to ensure that the staff is held in a vertical
position. If the staff not held vertical, the reading will be too large and may be
significantly error. A staff bubble shall be used at all times.
Errors :
1) Error of collimation
It occur when the collimation axis is not truly horizontal when the
instrument is level. The effect of this was show in the below sketch where
the collimation is tilted with respect to the horizontal by an angle a :
2) Parallax error
This happen due to the movement of instrument during backsight and
foresight.
3) Error of holding the staff

Staff not held vertically. It might cause the reader not focus during
reading. The result automatically too large or small. This can be avoid by
hold rod firmly or use head/body to support it.
4) Ground heating cause chaotic refraction of light. It can be reduce by

shorten the length of shots. It also can be avoided by keep measurement 2
or 3 ft above ground. Avoid levelling during noons.
5) Careless set up the instrument : The reading will be error if the

instrument are not set up firmly. If the ground is not firm, it may settled
down. When it on hard ground, it may get slipped.
6) Imperfect levelling of the instrument : Due to improper levelling of the

instrument, bubble does not remain at the centre when the sights are taken
resulting error in reading. To avoid the error, the bubble should be
brought to the centre before start new reading.
7) Imperfect focusing : If either the eye-piece or the objective or both are
not properly focused, parallax and the error in staff readings occur. Due to
movement of eyes, if there is any apparent change in the staff reading the
eye-piece and objective need proper focusing.
8) Errors in sighting : This occurs when the horizontal cross-hair does not
exactly coincide with the staff graduation or it is difficult to see the exact
coincidence of the cross hairs and the staff graduations. The errors can be
minimised by keeping the sight distance small.
Instrumental Error :
1. Error in permanent adjustment of level : For any major

surveying work, instrument needs to be tested and if required, need
to be adjusted. Bubble of the level tube should be brought to the
centre before take any reading. Balancing of sights need to be
maintained.
2. Staff defective or non-standard quality : The graduation of staff

may lack standard distance and thus may cause error in reading.
When levelling, the error may be negligible but in this case of
precise levelling, the graduations need to be standardized with
invar tape.
3. Error due to defective level tube : The bubble of level tube may
remain central even though the bubble axis is not horizontal due to
its sluggishness or it may take considerable time to occupy central
position if it is very sensitive.
4. Error due to defective tripod : The tripod stand should be strong

and stable otherwise it causes setting of the instrument unstable
and considerable time is required to make it level. The nuts
provided at the joints of the legs to the tripod head should be well-
tightened before mounting the instrument. The tripod should be set
up o a stable, firm ground.
Precaution in Leveling :
1. The staff should be held vertical while taking the reading.
2. The bubble in the level tube is to be brought to central before taking any
reading.
3. Reading should be taken in the proper direction depending on the type of

staff.
4. Balancing of sight is to be maintained as far as possible.
5. Reading and recording of observation correctly.
6. Do not touch the tripod when doing observing. The result will be error if
we touch the tripod during observe.
7. Place the tripod on stable ground and make a mark for staff places. Mark
the ground to avoid we forgetting where the last staff located.

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Theory of Levelling

Levelling is the process of measurements geodetic height using an optical

3) Error of holding the staff

4) Ground heating cause chaotic refraction of light. It can be reduce by

5) Careless set up the instrument : The reading will be error if the

6) Imperfect levelling of the instrument : Due to improper levelling of the

1. Error in permanent adjustment of level : For any major

2. Staff defective or non-standard quality : The graduation of staff

4. Error due to defective tripod : The tripod stand should be strong

3. Reading should be taken in the proper direction depending on the type of

4. Balancing of sight is to be maintained as far as possible.

5. Reading and recording of observation correctly.

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